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Old October 30, 2012, 07:06 PM   #1
Super Sneaky Steve
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If you had to use a cast bullet

OK, so the question is, if you had to use a cast bullet in a 3" revolver chambered for .45 Colt would you use a 200gr bullet or the old 255gr bullet?

This would be for personal protection against bad guys.

I'm pretty sure either one would work but maybe the 200gr bullet would be better suited for that application.

Thoughts?
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Old October 30, 2012, 07:25 PM   #2
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I go on the assumption the more lead, the better.

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Old October 30, 2012, 07:26 PM   #3
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The 255 has been putting bad guys under the dirt since my granddad was in diapers.
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Old October 30, 2012, 07:29 PM   #4
Bob Wright
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John Moses saith:

Quote:
The 255 has been putting bad guys under the dirt since my granddad was in diapers.
When my granddad was that young, the .45 had not yet been thought up!

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Old October 30, 2012, 07:52 PM   #5
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Non expanding lead? If so then the 200 grainer, preferably a SWC. I think shape is more important than weight. All the penetration of a 255 bullet is wasted on thin humans.
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Old October 30, 2012, 08:17 PM   #6
RalphS
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I would test them both over my chronograph and then decide.
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Old October 30, 2012, 09:38 PM   #7
salvadore
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I had a 454190 hollowpointed..Just a thought. I do like the heavier bullet alsoWhat kind of shooter is it?
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Old October 30, 2012, 10:04 PM   #8
Keith 44 Magnum Fan
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I have a preference for the bigger slugs in a 45 Colt. My favorite shape I cast from a NEI 265K that drops 270 grains out of wheel weight lead. The big flat nose of a Keith bullet really whacks the hell out what it hits. It does not need to expand or go at any great speed to be effective in this caliber.
A 255 semi wad cutter going 700+ fps will put down two legged snakes with authority. You can control recoil by keeping velocity lower and maintain knock down by using heavier bullets.
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Old October 31, 2012, 12:21 AM   #9
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I agree with bob. The more lead the better
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Old October 31, 2012, 03:49 AM   #10
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I'd use 200 grain because that's what I have in stock. I doubt anyone would notice the difference.
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Old October 31, 2012, 04:09 AM   #11
Rifleman1952
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How about a 225gr anti-personnel wad cutter from Buffalo Bore?

https://www.buffalobore.com/index.ph...t_detail&p=269
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Old October 31, 2012, 04:48 AM   #12
Sport45
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Take advantage of the larger case capacity and don't limit yourself to .45acp bullets. I believe a 250-260gr SWC will punch through a lot more than a 200gr SWC even if the lighter bullet is moving a bit faster.
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Old October 31, 2012, 07:04 AM   #13
Magnum Wheel Man
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RIFLEMAN... those cartridges are pretty interesting... I currently use Buffalo Bore Standard pressure Gold Dots in my everyday carry ( a custom Ruger 45 Colt snubbie )

I've always like big meplat bullets, & have heard before of the advantages of wadcutters in terminal performance ( listed in test on the previous link )

so... you do know that you'll get a big difference in point of impact between the 2 bullet weights... & ( I have a large supply of cast 45 acp bullets ) in my expirience, I haven't gotten the kind of groupings I'd like from the lighter bullets
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Old October 31, 2012, 08:08 AM   #14
Keith 44 Magnum Fan
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Magnum Wheel Man, you are right on target. I have had poor accuracy out of anything smaller than 230 grains out of a Ruger Bisley and my S&W Model 25 Classic. The rifling's rate of twist is intended for bigger bullets.
The big meplat is king most of the time, and certainly is in this caliber. 250 to 280 grain semi wad cutters going a moderate speed( 650 to 850 fps) is a proven killer.
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Old October 31, 2012, 08:43 AM   #15
Hal
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Heavier if cast lead....

Lighter if jacketed.
The 200 gr Blazer JHP shoots extremely well out of my Winchester trapper.

255 gr cast lead w/a nice flat meplat aren't any slouches either.
I'd feel confident w/either.

I wouldn't feel all warm and fuzzy though with a 200 or less gr. cast lead.
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Old October 31, 2012, 11:58 AM   #16
temmi
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I use Lead in a 45 Colt (5.5 inch tube) and I use a 250g bullet

I would a 255 before a 200

Snake
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Old October 31, 2012, 01:29 PM   #17
Rifleman1952
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Magnum Wheel Man: Did you say
Quote:
a custom Ruger .45 colt snubbie
?!!! Wow! I think everyone is the forum would love to see a photo of that! If you have time, please post a photo.
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Old October 31, 2012, 01:32 PM   #18
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Quote:
All the penetration of a 255 bullet is wasted on thin humans.
Them's uncommon these days, 'least 'round here.
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Old October 31, 2012, 01:33 PM   #19
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I'm a picture whore...

this lil gal has been all over this site... but just for you... here she is again

my build thread... errr not my build thread, but the new grips thread...

http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=463247
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Last edited by Magnum Wheel Man; October 31, 2012 at 04:55 PM.
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Old October 31, 2012, 01:37 PM   #20
Magnum Wheel Man
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thin humans... uncommon... or the 255's
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Old October 31, 2012, 03:46 PM   #21
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the thin humans ..... I live in one of the fattest states in the fattest country in the world ..... the shame of it is that the poorest segment of the population is also the heaviest.
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Old October 31, 2012, 04:24 PM   #22
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I suspect either will do.... But I like slow and heavy (nothing scientific here ). So a 255g SWC would do just fine. FYI, I shoot nothing but lead in .45 Colt and all other calibers for that matter anymore.
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Old October 31, 2012, 04:42 PM   #23
Rifleman1952
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Thanks Magnum Wheel Man. I have to say that is the most unique and coolest snub nosed revolver I have ever seen. Put a set of pearl or ivory grips on it and you could almost see Doc Holiday carrying it.
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Old October 31, 2012, 07:03 PM   #24
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There are a lot of variables in cast bullets

Hollow points cast from an appropriate alloy are every bit as effective as jacketed hollow points. Non-expanding designs rely on their shape and weight to provide performance. Large flat meplat designs tend to be the best performers, and in my opinion, the heavier the better (within reason).

Light weight bullets rely on velocity to achieve good penetration. The momentum of a heavier bullet allows it to penetrate deeper at the low velocities typically seen with short barrels. The bullet has to get to vitals to do it's job, and we can not always assume that the shot will be fron to back with no major skeletal structure in the way. The shot could easily be from the side, requiring a shot that penetrates the upper arm or shoulder, or the assailant may be facing us, but pointing a gun with both hands, once again increasing the odds that the bullet has a lot of work to do before reaching the vitals.

Years ago there was an article in one of the gun rags that explored the performance of various bullet weights in snub nose revolvers. In almost every case, the heavier bullets out performed the lighter bullets.

My general purpose load in .45 Colt uses LBTs outstanding Ogival Wadcutter bullet, weighing in a about 265grns when cast from wheel weight alloy. Water quenching brings the hardness to about a 21BHN. This bullet has a front meplat that is nearly full caliber. It penetrates deep and crushes pretty much anything in it's path. Wound diameter will depend on impact velocity, but even at an estimated 750-800fps, I have poked 1/2"+ holes completely through more than one deer. This bullet does the job, and I would have no issues using it for defensive purposes.

My second choice would be a true Kieth style bullet. I would only select the original 255grn RNFP as a last resort in a heavy bullet, but would probably choose it over a 200grn bullet. Light weight and low velocity are not a good combination in my experience. Heavy for caliber is the way to go.

JW
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Old October 31, 2012, 07:27 PM   #25
orionengnr
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Keith 255 gr from Missouri Bullet. I have 1500 of them
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